Slinfold’s unbeaten run comes to an at Rye

A comfortable victory for Rye saw Slinfold’s unbeaten run come to an end on Saturday.

Guy Thorne’s team missed out on a chance of promotion with the defeat.

If Rottingdean fail to win at home to Stirlands and Slinfold beat Henfield, they will be promoted this weekend.

Skipper Thorne said: “We knew another win would take us to the brink of promotion, but it wasn’t to be, and we’ll have to wait another week – but it’s only going to happen if we can repeat our previous performances from weeks gone by.

“I’ve said many times this year, there is not a single easy game in this league. We’ve worked hard for our wins, and we’ll need to work even harder to win our remaining games too.”

Thorne also praised Craig Pierce, who took 6-64 as Slinfold were bowled out for 1200.

He said: “Full credit to Rye, their opening bowler bowled a terrific opening spell of swing bowling, and our batters had no answer.

“In hindsight it was the wrong decision to bat first on that Rye wicket, but it’s easy to say that after you’ve been well beaten. Full credit to Rye for their bowling and fielding performance, and for the way their two lads batted when at 34-4, 120 was never going to be enough.”

Tom Filby (20) top scored for Slinfold as Pierce and Harry Smeed (3-21) ripped through the batting in 41.4 overs.

In reply, skipper for the day Akeem Jordan took 4-43 has Rye were reduced to 34-4.

But Fin Thomson (37) and Smeed (44 not out) saw Rye home.

Thorne said: “We welcome Henfield on Saturday who are fighting for their lives and they beat us at their place earlier in the year so we know we have to be at our best to get a positive result.

“Second place Stirlands and third place Rottingdean play each other on Saturday so we have a great opportunity, but only if we revert back to the good habits we’ve applied all year.